A HUGE extension to a factory outlet which has proved a major tourist draw should be given the go-ahead, according to planners.

When the revamped Tweed-mill store opened near Trefnant four years ago there were strong protests from traders as far afield as Denbigh and Prestatyn.

The plans were also opposed by the local community council.

But the popular factory outlet is now visited by more than 500,000 people each year.

The same protesters have resurfaced to voice their opposition to the latest plans which would see the size of the site increased by 60pc, or about 2,500 sq m.

The extension will include 1,750 sq m of non-food retail space, a caf&#xE9;, inside play area and a tourist information office.

A further 152 parking spaces are also included in the proposal.

To back their bid, the owners commissioned a report drawn up by consultants which showed 60pc of customers came from outside the catch-ment area of a 20-minute drive.

It also showed 60pc visited local towns such as Rhyl, Denbigh, St Asaph or Bodelwyddan.

Those findings are backed by Denbighshire County Council's own consultants who say the planned extension would have little impact on other shopping centres in the area.

In a report to Wednesday's planning committee meeting officers concede the application is a departure from planning policies.

But they add: "Taking into account the findings of the retai l st udy an d th e independent critique by the council's consultants, it is considered that on balance the proposal would have more positive benefits for the local economy than negative elements."

Among the 15 recommended conditions are that the premises shall operate only as a factory outlet selling seconds, end-of-line goods and surplus stock, and that they should not be sub-divided into separate retail businesses.

The small area of floorspace allocated to the sale of food will be for gift items, predominantly on a "made in Wales" theme.

The officers say the extra ring of parking spaces will not have an major impact on the open character of the area or the historic parkland setting of nearby Llannerch Hall.